Brody Turns 2!

Making a Wish...Happy Birthday Brody!

Our "little" guy has turned two! Yes, time flies and he is growing like a weed. The times of two and three little chubby rolls on those thighs of his are going to be a distant past...sniff sniff. How I love my chubby, snuggly babies. But I guess they do have to grow up and Matt & I are enjoying every minute of it. Brody has definitely turned the corner on some milestones in the last few months and although Isabella (aka "Sis" per Brody) still chatters away and tells us what she thinks Brody needs, he is starting to bable loads of words on his own! It is so awesome to hear his little voice sounding out words as we sit during dinner and playtime. He is all boy and most words come with a growl or sound effect following. He takes phonics to a new level hahaha!

Since Brody is all rough 'em tough 'em...we decided to have an Outlaw party for him with cowboy hats, pistols & holsters, and of course, mustaches :) We had a small party and had our friends Rebecca & Will over with their adorable little ones, Colin and Aidan and my brother, Von, and of course Grandma, joined us for some good cooking Outlaw style....Cowboy Burgers...yum! His Mimi (Grandma Cathleen) sent him a bounce house too...which we blow up outside and inside for the kids to get crazzzy!

It is amazing to celebrate the Birthday of our little man and all of the moments we are lucky enough as parents to see. The best job in the world. Happy Birthday Bubby!!

B | R | O | D | Y

All snakes, snails and puppy dog tails. But he sure does know how to work that lip :)

Can I just mention that he pee peed on the potty last night! Go Brody! I love my little man.

Lifeworks Gala 2011

I am very lucky to be the lead in the Lifeworks Gala each year as it is an event we create and produce pro bono to give back to the fabulous organization which transitions youth and families from crisis to safety and success. They served over 10, 00 individuals last year and it is an organziation that has become dear to me. The individuals I work with to create the event are amazing and their life's work is something that is so transforming for the individuals they help.

After a 10 hour set up with my awesome crew I ran home and was able to bring my handsome husband to the black tie event this year which was so much fun...and it is a great excuse to get him in a suit! Had to share our caricature form the night....I wish I was really that skinny hahaha

Bella's First Concert!

Jump up. Get down. Turn around.

Bella likes to mess with me and when I say "Cheese" she gives this look. Stinker.

Gene Simmons has nothing on her.

Throw your hands in the air...wave 'em like you just don't care! Yes, I was the "not so cool" Mom trying to get Bella to get into her concert mode at the brand new Austin City Limits Live-Moody Theater.

Mind you...she's three...and really could have cared less that a) we had front row tickets b) she was at the very first ever concert at the new ACL theater which she will think is really cool when she's 18 and c) that we were going to rock out!

It took her a while and when she saw how much fun Mommy was having jumping up and down in her four inch stilettos, she finally got into it and we had a blast! We got to see Choo Choo Soul, a beat boxing/break dancing duo from Disney and the Imagination Movers. We bought our own glow sticks to wave around, jumped a lot, shook our booties, and ate a lot of "organic" concert junk food (we are in Austin-go local).

It was a fun first time moment with my baby girl. The firsts seem to get less as they get older so I love creating as many of our own firsts as I can these days :)

In the Country

Bella and Mimi swingin'

Learning to drive with Nay & Mimi

Brody's John Wayne look

We are lucky enough to live only 4 hours from some of the most beautful country in East Texas where Matt grew up. His Mom and Grandma have moved back to the small lake town of San Augustine, which is quaint, quiet and surrounded by beautiful towering trees and open rolling country. The kids love to run and explore when we visit and even just sit (for a few seconds at least) and swing a bit!

Welcome Back Channel Family!

Happy 3rd Birthday Isabella!

Grandma made her Princess cake (right after Barbie lost her legs)!

Snow Day in Austin!

Has anyone ever seen "The Christmas Story"? This picture remind you of anything?

He means business.

Pretty much the face that gets Brody anything he wants. He can work the lip.

Brody woke Bella up on Christmas Day to see what Santa brought!

Hostess with the Mostess...for Santa.

Our first real "Twas the Night Before Christmas"...a tradition begins.

No really Bella...this is fun!

Okay...but only if I can eat all the marshmallows "off" of the house.

Safety First.

Evil Knievel.

Hi. Yes, I'm signing back on with my tail between my legs as I have just realized that it has reallllly been 5 months since I updated our blog! Yeek! So sorry about the delay but when the Fall hits Austin...so do the Brides and not long enough days with the kids in perfect weather! Oh and then the holidays, and snow and gingerbread house making and Birthdays and well, that puts us here!

I have no idea at all where to start from September except to tell you all that the children have become little people. Actually, I take that back. Bella has become an adult in a little person body! She has an opinion (about everything), she is color coordinated (thank the Lord), she loves breakfast for every meal (my kind of girl), and she is gorgeous!! A cute little bob with ridiculously big bows, grey- green eyes and the sweetest little smile ever. We celebrated her 3rd Birthday this January with a Princess Painting Party where 8 of her best little girlfriends from dance class came over and we painted our own smocks. So messy and so much fun. She will be starting preschool in the Fall, only two days a week, but we are super excited. Brody is a small body builder....and as "boy" as they come. He growls and grunts, and laughs when he toots and yes, he pesters his Sissy to no end. But on the same note, he's a sensitive little guy that snuggles for 45 minutes when he wakes up and will fish kiss you every moment of the day if he could :) Brody will be turning 2 this March and he is growing up way too fast for me!

Matt and I are doing wonderfully, working our hineys off, madly in love, looking forward to our 5 year wedding anniversary coming up in March, and just really enjoying our life. We wish we could bottle up a little piece of it forever, because we know we will not remember the little sayings and quirky thoughts that hit our children's lips each day and just crack us up. (Mommy: "Bella you really should go to bed" Bella: "Oh it's okay baby-you should go to bed. I'll set the timer for 5 minutes for you") Matt's business has literally taken off and we are looking at the possibility of hiring an employee or two this year, and he is really building some amazing work for his clients. Take a peek at the website http://www.southernoutdoorappeal.com/ , which we are currently revamping in the background to launch new work soon! I have been busy with Brides and non-profit Galas, and I love the city and the vibe here for what I do for a living. It is a very forward thinking town so nothing is too far outside of the box...including some crazy creative ideas I get in the middle of the night and attempt to transform into my events! We just launched a brand new website as well, check out my "Swoon" gallery at www.weddingsbykennedy.com!

My Mom is a blessing. A blessing. A blessing. She takes the most amazing care of Bella & Brody, and let me tell you, Grandma is the most popular lady at our house :) The kids love her sooo much...oh and when they get in trouble, Grandma is there to snuggle and make it better too. hahaha She gets to enjoy the beautiful Austin weather and takes nature walks with the kids each day. They collect flowers, meet friends along the way and stop at each stars n stripes (flag) and Bella proudly puts her hand over her heart and recites the pledge of allegiance perfectly. It is hysterical to watch-the older neighbors can't get enough of her pledge.

Miss you all-hoping to see some more family & friends as the Springtime nears! Love Love Love! Us